Nothing says summer more than the boys of summer themselves, the Blue Jays! Baseball is the ultimate sport to attend as a family: the tickets are affordable, the game has lots of natural breaks and it’s generally a little slower paced meaning you can wander around for 10 or 15 minutes and not miss a heck of a lot. If you’re thinking of heading to a game with the kids this summer here are some tips to make the day a fun one!
Planning Your Day
Weekend games are usually at 1:00 and unless you’re going to avoid Jays games until your kids have outgrown naps (and really, life is too short for that) then you’ll have to get creative. One option is to head downtown early and take a walk around the waterfront while your little one winds down for their nap in the stroller or carrier before heading to the Rogers Centre. As an added bonus you’ll beat the rush of traffic downtown and, if you are driving, will get a great parking spot!
While games start at the same time on both days, Saturdays are Jr. Jays days which means that there are lots of kid friendly activities and the opportunity for kids to run the bases after the game. It’s also packed with families which lowers the stakes – you don’t feel so bad about excusing yourself every inning for your toddler’s bathroom break or dealing with an epic meltdown when you’re surrounded by other parents who are dealing with the same challenges!
Weekend games are usually at 1:00 and unless you’re going to avoid Jays games until your kids have outgrown naps (and really, life is too short for that) then you’ll have to get creative. One option is to head downtown early and take a walk around the waterfront while your little one winds down for their nap in the stroller or carrier before heading to the Rogers Centre. As an added bonus you’ll beat the rush of traffic downtown and, if you are driving, will get a great parking spot!
While games start at the same time on both days, Saturdays are Jr. Jays days which means that there are lots of kid friendly activities and the opportunity for kids to run the bases after the game. It’s also packed with families which lowers the stakes – you don’t feel so bad about excusing yourself every inning for your toddler’s bathroom break or dealing with an epic meltdown when you’re surrounded by other parents who are dealing with the same challenges!
Where to Sit
When purchasing your tickets try and get seats close to the concourse as possible (the back rows of the 100 and 200 levels and the front rows of the 500 level) and close to the aisles to make going to and from your seat as easy as possible. When the dome is open, much of the ball park is in the sun for most of the afternoon games. If being in the shade is important to you, stick to somewhere on the 3rd base line and toward the back of the 100 level or 200 level.
Food and Drink
Buying snacks at the ball park is super expensive (like $5.50 for a small bottle of water) but the good news is you’re allowed to bring your own! Pack lots of snacks and drinks (water bottles under 600 ml) for the whole family.
Getting There
If transit is accessible it’s a great option so you don’t have to worry about parking or fighting with traffic on the way to or from the game. The Rogers Centre is about a 10-15 minute walk from Union Station and fare on the TTC is $3.25 for adults and free for children under 12. If driving is more convenient, there is lots of private parking lots within a 10 minute walk but you will pay between $20 and $40 depending on how close the lot is.
When purchasing your tickets try and get seats close to the concourse as possible (the back rows of the 100 and 200 levels and the front rows of the 500 level) and close to the aisles to make going to and from your seat as easy as possible. When the dome is open, much of the ball park is in the sun for most of the afternoon games. If being in the shade is important to you, stick to somewhere on the 3rd base line and toward the back of the 100 level or 200 level.
Food and Drink
Buying snacks at the ball park is super expensive (like $5.50 for a small bottle of water) but the good news is you’re allowed to bring your own! Pack lots of snacks and drinks (water bottles under 600 ml) for the whole family.
Getting There
If transit is accessible it’s a great option so you don’t have to worry about parking or fighting with traffic on the way to or from the game. The Rogers Centre is about a 10-15 minute walk from Union Station and fare on the TTC is $3.25 for adults and free for children under 12. If driving is more convenient, there is lots of private parking lots within a 10 minute walk but you will pay between $20 and $40 depending on how close the lot is.
At the Rogers Centre
Here are some things to know once you get to the Rogers Centre:
Let us know how your trip to the Rogers Centre was! GO JAYS!
Here are some things to know once you get to the Rogers Centre:
- There is valet stroller parking at section 205 and 530 supervised at all times by a Rogers Centre Staff member. You can grab your stroller anytime you need it.
- There are family washrooms and nursing stations located at sections 134, 238, and 539 but there are only a couple on each level so if you really need it you may have to wait a bit.
- “Misplaced Ace” is a program where your children are provided with a wrist band indicating their section and seat number. If they are separated from you, staff are instructed to return them to your seat. Head to Guest Services to register your children at the beginning of each game.
- If you need booster seats for your toddlers you can pick them up for free at Guest Services
- Pack a few toys and activities for your kids to do at their seats. The games can be long and their attention on the actual game may be …. Intermittent. 😊 Take frequent walks around the concourse to burn off some steam and eat lots of snacks!
Let us know how your trip to the Rogers Centre was! GO JAYS!